Archives for October 16, 2017

‘”It feels great but I have to tip my hat to the guys in that locker room,” Housley said after the Sabres gave their rookie bench boss No. 1 in the NHL with a 3-1 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. “The guys really gutted it out to get a win tonight.”‘

‘Kyle Okposo missed his second straight game with the flu but the Sabres are hopeful he will play Tuesday night in Las Vegas. “He’s feeling better,” said coach Phil Housley. “He’s able to keep some food down, rode the bike today. He’s moving in a good direction.”‘

‘Benoit Pouliot’s fluky goal with 31.3 seconds left in the second period snapped a tie and lifted the Sabres to the victory. Chad Johnson made 25 saves in net to earn the first win in his second tour of duty as a Buffalo goaltender and Johan Larsson’s empty-net goal with 23.4 seconds left clinched it.’

‘What’s mostly concerning, though, is that Buffalo has been outscored 18-9 and those nine goals have been scored by only three players — Evander Kane and Jason Pominville have four apiece and Jack Eichel the other — an unhealthy distribution.’

‘”I mean, it feels great, obviously, but I have to tip my hat to the guys in that locker room,” he said. “I thought the guys deserved better in L.A. (during a 4-2 loss to the Kings on Saturday night), but (Sunday night) really gutting it out, I’m really proud of the guys in that locker room.”‘

‘The Ducks picked up the pace in the third period, moving the puck up and down the ice with Buffalo trying to get the game-tying goal for a second time in the night. Neither side was called for a minor in the fast paced final period either. Gibson was pulled for an extra attacker with just under two minutes to go in the game, but Anaheim could not score. Buffalo recorded seven shots on goal in the third, while Anaheim was credited with nine shots on goal of their own. Johan Larsson scored an empty net goal to seal the win for the blue and gold with just seconds to go in reegulation. Ryan O’Reilly was on the ice, and received the lone assist on the goal.’